Martin gets second chance at mayor's office

On to November: Candidate gets 2nd chance at top office

Kate Kingand Rob Varnon

Updated 11:04 pm, Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Stamford mayoral candidate David Martin gives his acceptance speech after winning the Democratic primary at the Martin campaign party after the polls closed at the Stamford Marriott on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2013.

David Martin enters the room immediately after winning the Democratic primary runoff against William Tong during the Martin campaign party at the Stamford Marriott on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2013.
Photo: Jason Rearick

David Martin deputy campaign manager Tom Dec organizes a dry erase board that will tabulate the numbers for the Democratic primary for Stamford mayor during the Martin campaign party at the Stamford Marriott on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2013.
Photo: Jason Rearick

Finance director for the David Martin campaign Christine Bartlett-Josie shouts out the district vote numbers during the Martin campaign party after the polls closed for the Democratic primary for Stamford mayor at the Stamford Marriott on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2013.
Photo: Jason Rearick

David Martin supporter David Stein writes down the numbers of votes for the Democratic primary candidates for Stamford mayor during the Martin campaign party after the polls closed at the Stamford Marriott on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2013.
Photo: Jason Rearick

David Martin supporter David Stein writes down the numbers of votes...

William Tong gives a concession speech at Bradford's Grill and Tavern after losing the democratic primary for the Stamford, Conn., mayor race to David Martin on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2013.
Photo: Lindsay Perry

A campaign volunteer wipes away a tear as William Tong gives a concession speech at Bradford's Grill and Tavern after losing the democratic primary for the Stamford, Conn., mayor race to David Martin on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2013.
Photo: Lindsay Perry

William Tong greets supporters before giving a concession speech at Bradford's Grill and Tavern after losing the democratic primary for the Stamford, Conn., mayor race to David Martin on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2013.
Photo: Lindsay Perry

William Tong greets supporters before giving a concession speech at...

William Tong greets supporters before giving a concession speech at Bradford's Grill and Tavern after losing the democratic primary for the Stamford, Conn., mayor race to David Martin on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2013.
Photo: Lindsay Perry

William Tong greets supporters before giving a concession speech at...

William Tong greets supporters before giving a concession speech at Bradford's Grill and Tavern after losing the democratic primary for the Stamford, Conn., mayor race to David Martin on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2013.
Photo: Lindsay Perry

William Tong greets supporters before giving a concession speech at...

William Tong greets supporters before giving a concession speech at Bradford's Grill and Tavern after losing the democratic primary for the Stamford, Conn., mayor race to David Martin on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2013.
Photo: Lindsay Perry

William Tong greets supporters before giving a concession speech at...

William Tong gives a concession speech at Bradford's Grill and Tavern after losing the democratic primary for the Stamford, Conn., mayor race to David Martin on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2013.
Photo: Lindsay Perry

William Tong gives a concession speech at Bradford's Grill and Tavern after losing the democratic primary for the Stamford, Conn., mayor race to David Martin on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2013.
Photo: Lindsay Perry

William Tong gives a concession speech at Bradford's Grill and Tavern after losing the democratic primary for the Stamford, Conn., mayor race to David Martin on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2013.
Photo: Lindsay Perry

William Tong gives a concession speech at Bradford's Grill and Tavern after losing the democratic primary for the Stamford, Conn., mayor race to David Martin on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2013.
Photo: Lindsay Perry

William Tong gives a concession speech at Bradford's Grill and Tavern after losing the democratic primary for the Stamford, Conn., mayor race to David Martin on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2013.
Photo: Lindsay Perry

Supporters wait for William Tong to give a concession speech at Bradford's Grill and Tavern after losing the democratic primary for the Stamford, Conn., mayor race to David Martin on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2013.
Photo: Lindsay Perry

Supporters listen as William Tong gives a concession speech at Bradford's Grill and Tavern after losing the democratic primary for the Stamford, Conn., mayor race to David Martin on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2013.
Photo: Lindsay Perry

Supporters listen as William Tong gives a concession speech at Bradford's Grill and Tavern after losing the democratic primary for the Stamford, Conn., mayor race to David Martin on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2013.
Photo: Lindsay Perry

William Tong gives a concession speech at Bradford's Grill and Tavern after losing the democratic primary for the Stamford, Conn., mayor race to David Martin on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2013.
Photo: Lindsay Perry

William Tong gives a concession speech at Bradford's Grill and Tavern after losing the democratic primary for the Stamford, Conn., mayor race to David Martin on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2013.
Photo: Lindsay Perry

William Tong gives a concession speech at Bradford's Grill and Tavern after losing the democratic primary for the Stamford, Conn., mayor race to David Martin on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2013.
Photo: Lindsay Perry

William Tong gives a concession speech at Bradford's Grill and Tavern after losing the democratic primary for the Stamford, Conn., mayor race to David Martin on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2013.
Photo: Lindsay Perry

William Tong gives a concession speech at Bradford's Grill and Tavern after losing the democratic primary for the Stamford, Conn., mayor race to David Martin on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2013.
Photo: Lindsay Perry

William Tong gives a concession speech at Bradford's Grill and Tavern after losing the democratic primary for the Stamford, Conn., mayor race to David Martin on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2013.
Photo: Lindsay Perry

William Tong gives a concession speech at Bradford's Grill and Tavern after losing the democratic primary for the Stamford, Conn., mayor race to David Martin on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2013.
Photo: Lindsay Perry

William Tong thanks supporters after giving a concession speech at Bradford's Grill and Tavern after losing the democratic primary for the Stamford, Conn., mayor race to David Martin on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2013.
Photo: Lindsay Perry

William Tong thanks supporters after giving a concession speech at Bradford's Grill and Tavern after losing the democratic primary for the Stamford, Conn., mayor race to David Martin on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2013.
Photo: Lindsay Perry

William Tong thanks supporters after giving a concession speech at Bradford's Grill and Tavern after losing the democratic primary for the Stamford, Conn., mayor race to David Martin on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2013.
Photo: Lindsay Perry

William Tong thanks supporters after giving a concession speech at Bradford's Grill and Tavern after losing the democratic primary for the Stamford, Conn., mayor race to David Martin on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2013.
Photo: Lindsay Perry

William Tong thanks supporters after giving a concession speech at Bradford's Grill and Tavern after losing the democratic primary for the Stamford, Conn., mayor race to David Martin on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2013.
Photo: Lindsay Perry

William Tong thanks supporters after giving a concession speech at Bradford's Grill and Tavern after losing the democratic primary for the Stamford, Conn., mayor race to David Martin on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2013.
Photo: Lindsay Perry

William Tong thanks supporters after giving a concession speech at Bradford's Grill and Tavern after losing the democratic primary for the Stamford, Conn., mayor race to David Martin on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2013.
Photo: Lindsay Perry

William Tong thanks supporters after giving a concession speech at Bradford's Grill and Tavern after losing the democratic primary for the Stamford, Conn., mayor race to David Martin on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2013.
Photo: Lindsay Perry

William Tong's wife, Elizabeth, thanks volunteers after her husband gave a concession speech at Bradford's Grill and Tavern after losing the democratic primary for the Stamford, Conn., mayor race to David Martin on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2013.
Photo: Lindsay Perry

William Tong's wife, Elizabeth, thanks volunteers after her husband...

Supporters listen as William Tong gives a concession speech at Bradford's Grill and Tavern after losing the democratic primary for the Stamford, Conn., mayor race to David Martin on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2013.
Photo: Lindsay Perry

Supporters listen as William Tong gives a concession speech at Bradford's Grill and Tavern after losing the democratic primary for the Stamford, Conn., mayor race to David Martin on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2013.
Photo: Lindsay Perry

Supporters listen as William Tong gives a concession speech at Bradford's Grill and Tavern after losing the democratic primary for the Stamford, Conn., mayor race to David Martin on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2013.
Photo: Lindsay Perry

Supporters listen as William Tong gives a concession speech at Bradford's Grill and Tavern after losing the democratic primary for the Stamford, Conn., mayor race to David Martin on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2013.
Photo: Lindsay Perry

Supporters wait for William Tong to give a concession speech at Bradford's Grill and Tavern after losing the democratic primary for the Stamford, Conn., mayor race to David Martin on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2013.
Photo: Lindsay Perry

Supporters wait for William Tong to give a concession speech at Bradford's Grill and Tavern after losing the democratic primary for the Stamford, Conn., mayor race to David Martin on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2013.
Photo: Lindsay Perry

Supporters wait for William Tong to give a concession speech at Bradford's Grill and Tavern after losing the democratic primary for the Stamford, Conn., mayor race to David Martin on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2013.
Photo: Lindsay Perry

William Tong gets a hug from his wife, Elizabeth, as he gives a concession speech at Bradford's Grill and Tavern after losing the democratic primary for the Stamford, Conn., mayor race to David Martin on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2013.
Photo: Lindsay Perry

Stamford mayoral candidate David Martin and Democratic Campaign Committee Chairman John Mallozzi celebrate after Martin won the Democratic Party primary against William Tong during the Martin campaign party at the Stamford Marriott on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2013.
Photo: Jason Rearick

David Martin supporters watch as the Democratic mayoral primary poll numbers come in during the Martin campaign party at the Stamford Marriott on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2013. David Martin beat William Tong and will face former Lt. Gov. Michael Fedele on the November ballot.
Photo: Jason Rearick

David Martin supporters watch as the Democratic mayoral primary poll numbers come in during the Martin campaign party at the Stamford Marriott on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2013. David Martin beat William Tong and will face former Lt. Gov. Michael Fedele on the November ballot.
Photo: Jason Rearick

Stamford mayoral candidate David Martin enters the room after winning the Democratic primary at the Martin campaign party after the polls closed at the Stamford Marriott on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2013.
Photo: Jason Rearick

Stamford mayoral candidate David Martin gives his acceptance speech after winning the Democratic primary at the Martin campaign party after the polls closed at the Stamford Marriott on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2013.
Photo: Jason Rearick

Stamford mayoral candidate David Martin gives his acceptance speech after winning the Democratic primary at the Martin campaign party after the polls closed at the Stamford Marriott on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2013.
Photo: Jason Rearick

Stamford mayoral candidate David Martin gives his acceptance speech after winning the Democratic primary at the Martin campaign party after the polls closed at the Stamford Marriott on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2013.
Photo: Jason Rearick

STAMFORD -- Board of Finance member David Martin won the support of Stamford Democrats for another mayoral run Tuesday, beating out his better-funded and gubernatorially backed opponent, state Rep. William Tong, by about 300 votes.

The victory means Martin will make his second-straight appearance on Stamford's mayoral ballot this November. Martin lost a 2009 bid for the city's top office to Republican Michael Pavia, who is not running for re-election.

Fedele released a statement Tuesday night congratulating Martin on his victory and pledging a tough fight in the general election.

"I will continue to communicate my message of fiscal responsibility, educational improvement, jobs and progress to the residents of our great city," Fedele said. "I know how to get things done, and I know how to lead. The general election phase of the campaign begins tonight and I look forward to winning in November."

Martin vowed to fight Fedele's "unseemly" war chest.

"The Republicans are beatable no matter how much money they throw at this," Martin said. "We are going to win, but we will need to be relentless in making our case."

Tong entered Bradford's Grill & Tavern on Bedford Street to cheers and applause shortly after 9 p.m. Tuesday. His night didn't get much easier as the small stage volunteers assembled for him collapsed while he was conceding the race.

The state representative showed good footwork and was uninjured by the two-foot drop.

After thanking his wife, Tong urged his crowd of supporters to get behind Martin and ensure a Democratic win in November.

"I will endorse him," he said.

Tong said his campaign created momentum in a city that "is stuck in neutral," and sparked cheers when he pledged to continue to fight to improve Stamford schools.

Tong thanked all who worked for and endorsed him, especially Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, who he said has encouraged and helped him throughout his political career.

Josh Fedeli, Tong's campaign manager, said Tuesday's low voter turnout was not advantageous to the campaig,n but felt they did everything they could to get people to come out.

Going forward, Fedeli said Martin will have to bring the various constituencies of the Democratic Party together and he has to do a better job than he did in 2009.

He raised more than $312,000 for his campaign since jumping in the mayoral race in early February and secured Malloy's endorsement late last month.

But money and the Malloy machine proved no match for Martin's nearly 30 years of experience in Stamford government and his support within Stamford's Democratic establishment. Martin, who has raised about $166,000 for his mayoral campaign, won the Democratic City Committee's endorsement in July and secured the endorsements of nearly all the Board of Representatives' Democratic members.

Democratic City Committee Chairman John Mallozzi said Martin's victory indicates voters believe in his vision.

"People in Stamford want good government and they'll get it," Mallozzi said. "This shows how you can have all the money in the world but convey no message -- people don't buy it."

Martin told supporters the governor called him to offer his congratulations Tuesday night.

"I want to acknowledge my opponent William Tong; he and his supporters did run an outstanding campaign," Martin said. "William ... graciously offered me his support as we move forward toward November."

In addition to the mayoral race, three Board of Representatives districts also held primary elections. In District 6, Democratic incumbent Annie Summerville captured the most votes and will be joined on the November ballot by primary challenger David Kooris, who edged out party-endorsed candidate Denis Patterson by less than 40 votes.

A small number of Stamford Republicans visited the polls Tuesday for Board of Representatives primary elections in Districts 13 and 18.